BU & Beyond 2012 - Bournemouth University

than those not attracted by
watersports.
The unique study involves
collecting qualitative and
quantitative data from
businesses and visitors over
a three year period, enabling
lessons to be learned both in
terms of the methodology of
measuring dynamic impacts
and also in terms of the nature
of the development and how
this has influenced urban
regeneration. The results will
show the contribution that
the artificial reef makes to
business turnover, income and
the number of jobs supported,
as well as tracking changes
“The artificial surf
reef has attracted
business and
tourism to the
Boscombe area.
”
in investment in the area.
Business owners are asked to
provide lists of suppliers, and
those suppliers located either
in Boscombe or in Bournemouth
are also surveyed to identify
the way in which the economic
effects of the reef create
secondary impacts on the wider
economy of Bournemouth. The
visitor survey examines how
much staying visitors, day
visitors and residents spend
in the local area, together with
their visit motivations and this
is used to determine the level of
local income and employment
generation.
Many local businesses have
provided anecdotal evidence
that suggests that more
visitors are coming to the
area and that the reef “has
put the area on the map.”
These statements have been
backed up by estimates of
visitor numbers, with visitors
to the Boscombe waterfront
area increasing by 30% since
2009. Even businesses not
located on the seafront have
felt positive changes. Social
changes in Boscombe are more
evident, although there have
been a number of regeneration
events that can claim to have
contributed to the positive
vibes and it is difficult to isolate
the effects attributable solely to
the reef. The area has become
increasingly more ‘artistic’ and
‘retro’ in nature and some of
this can be traced back to the
emerging ‘surf culture’.
The benefit of this new
demographic profile is
important from an economic
perspective. Business owners
were asked directly if they had
noticed a change in the type of
clientele using their business
since the surf reef opened.
Many owners stated that since
the reef has opened they feel
the area has attracted people
with more disposable income.
The study is being funded by
The Crown Estate’s marine
stewardship programme,
which provides support for
“Even businesses
not located on
the seafront
have felt positive
changes.
”
practical projects, relevant
research and other initiatives
that help improve the status
and management of the marine
estate. The Crown Estate
is one of the nation’s most
diverse property businesses
encompassing urban, rural,
and marine assets which
include around half of the
foreshore of the UK and almost
the entire seabed out to the
12 nautical mile territorial
limit. The marine stewardship
programme was established
in 1999 to help strengthen The
Crown Estate’s commitment to
good environmental practice,
sustainability, and taking the
long-term view in actively
managing the estate.
What businesses away
from the seafront in
Boscombe are saying:
“I think it [the reef] has
helped slightly; it’s brought
more people who like retro
furniture in to the area.
People have moved in to the
area because of the reef,
therefore they are buying
furniture for their new flats
and the type of people
coming in to the area are
the type who like retro stuff.
It’s good for me.”
(Business established 2008)
“It’s attracting creative
people, more discerning
clientele, to the beach and
seafront. They may not have
made it to my shop but the
type of people on the front
have improved massively.”
(Business established 2011)
“Yes, it’s the white collar
guys, that’s what I’ve
noticed more: people who
have money are taking up
the surfing or wind surfing
as a hobby and they do
travel down as Boscombe
is accessible from London
unlike Cornwall so they will
come down for the day to
have a go.”
(Business established 2006)
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